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The 26 debutantes, their fathers and escorts acknowledge the receiving line.

Fifty-six Denver Debutante Balls have now been held. The 26 college freshmen who curtsied Dec. 22 at the Brown Palace Hotel join the 1,000 others who’ve descended the grand staircase before them, walking arm-in-arm with a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin or family friend to curtsy to a receiving line made up of prominent Coloradans.

It’s an evening steeped in tradition, but not without purpose. Since its start in 1956, the ball has raised some $4.2 million for the Colorado Symphony.

It is also an event taken very seriously by those involved; by others, not so much. The haters have a field day whenever a story about the ball is written. Yet those very same stories are always at the top of the “most-clicked” list on the Denver Post website; crashers try every trick in the book to sneak in and look like they’re legitimate ticket-holders, and one of the questions I am most frequently asked is: “Who do I contact to get my daughter presented?”

As always, the evening begins at 6 p.m. when guests arrive to socialize in the hotel lobby or to attend a gathering hosted by a particular deb’s family in one of the suites upstairs. At precisely 8 o’clock, a trumpet fanfare signals the presentation’s start.

The receiving line takes its place, and master of ceremonies Newell Grant starts things off by introducing the post-debs, young ladies who had made their debuts the previous year, and their escorts.
The 2011 receiving line was made up of ball chair Dawn Wood and her husband, Willis Alexander Wood; honorary chairwoman Betty Lynn Jackson and her husband, Dennis Miles Jackson; Marilyn Elizabeth Coors, a past member of the ball committee, and her husband, Peter Hanson Coors; Kevin Vincent Duncan, a past president of the Colorado Symphony board, and his wife, Leanne Paez Duncan; and Newell Grant’s wife, Judy, and their son, James Wilson Grant. Judy Grant will chair the ball in 2012 and 2013. Betty Lynn Jackson, who was attending her 50th Denver Debutante Ball, chaired the event in 1998 and 1999.

Stunning gowns are a given for the debutantes; so, too, for the female guests. Outstanding this year were Dawn Wood’s red Oscar de la Renta; Jane Yale, a past chair and grandmother of post-deb Emily Clinton, was in black charmeuse with a jacket of embroidered ribbon roses on black taffeta by Brooks Ltd. Brooks also created a gown for debutante Elsa Woolley’s mom, Karin. It was made from irridescent taffeta with a portrait neck and moss-green crepe underskirt.

The traditional father-daughter waltz followed the presentation, and then guests were seated for a dinner that began with baby Romaine and frisee salad with white asparagus, wild mushrooms, raspberries and Brie cheese. Filet Oscar was the main course and dessert was chocolate Millennium, a bittersweet chocolate mousse topped with gold leaf and surrounded by pistachio creme brulee.

Dancing rounded out the night. The Jerry Barnett Orchestra played in the rotunda lobby; Club X held forth in the West Ballroom and the Danny Showers Group did its thing in Ellyngton’s.

Katie Stapleton, a co-founder and first chair of the ball, was one pround grandma, as granddaughter Karina Stapleton was one of the 26 debs. Karina is a freshman at the University of Denver, majoring in psychology, with a concentration on cognitive science and criminology. “I really like the brain,” she told me during the party that her mother, Katharine Hall Stapleton, and grandmother hosted early in the evening. “So I guess you could say that I either want to fix it, by becoming a neurosurgeon, or use mine to catch criminals as a member of the FBI.”

Karina plans to apply for an internship with the FBI during her sophomore year.

Sarah Wilkins, a Gold Academic Scholar at Baylor, was being presented 30 years to the day that her mom, Katie Hite Wilkins, had made her debut. “There’s a charm on my bracelet that was given to me by Clara Phipps and it has the date of my presentation engraved on it,” Katie Wilkins said. “Sarah was looking at it one day and said, ‘Mom, do you realize …’ We were both flabbergasted by the coincidence.” Katie Wilkins and her husband, David, also hosted a party before the presentation and guests included Barbara Knight, co-chair of the ball the year Katie had been presented, and Mary Sawyer, who’d been one of Katie’s fellow debs on Dec. 22, 1981.

Following are the bios of the Class of 2011, provided by the ball’s public relations committee and based on information supplied by the debutante’s family.

BERIT CHRISTINA BACKES: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brent (Melanie) Backes of Denver. Escorted by Fergus Malachi Moynihan and Matthew John Rodgers. Berit attends Trinity University and participates in the Trinity Symphony Orchestra. Her interests include music. Last summer Berit worked as a full-time nanny. As a student at Denver School of the Arts, Berit studied violin and danced with the Academy of Colorado Ballet.

MAXWELL ANN THOMAS BLAIR: Daughter of Annzo Eaton Phelps and Peter Blair Jr. of Denver. Escorted by Phelps Stillman Blair and Lawrence Dilworth Blair III. Maxwell attends the University of Virginia. An honor student while attending East High School, Maxwell graduated with a 4.67 GPA. She was captain of the varsity lacrosse team, yearbook editor of student activities, and member of the National Honors Society. In addition, Maxwell received lacrosse All-American honorable mention and was named to the Metro League first team, 2009-2011. Maxwell’s great-great-great grandfather, Benjamin Harrison Eaton, was the 4th governor of Colorado and the town of Eaton was named in his honor. A founding officer of the Greeley Colony, Governor Eaton was also instrumental in bringing modern irrigation to farms in Northern Colorado. Great-grandparents Dorothy and Samuel Thomas started Royal Crest Dairy.

ALEXANDRA (ALEX) JANE BROWNING: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey (Carol) Browning, of Denver. Escorted by Andrew Zach Martin and Dustin Robert Martin. Alex attends Colorado Mesa University where she is majoring in Fine Arts and is a member of the Art Club. An avid rider, Alex spent her summer volunteering for the Saddle Up! Foundation as a therapeutic riding instructor. She also traveled to India and volunteered in the Dharamsala orphanage. Alex is a 5th generation Coloradan.

CAROLINE SHWAYDER COFFIN: Daughter of Patti Shwayder Coffin and Steven John Coffin of Denver. Escorted by Richard Shwayder Coffin and Adam Michael Angelich. Caroline attends Miami of Ohio and is majoring in business with a minor in journalism. Named to the high honor roll while attending Kent Denver School, Caroline was team manager for both the varsity field hockey and men’s varsity ice hockey teams. In addition to volunteering for Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Boys and Girls Club, she co-founded the Kent Denver Spirit Club. Caroline has also traveled to Russia, China and Mongolia. The Shwayder family arrived in Colorado in 1865 during the gold rush and opened a general store in Black Hawk. Caroline’s great-grandfather was a founder of Samsonite Corporation. Mother Patti Shwayder-Coffin served in Gov. Roy Romer’s cabinet as executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Her cousin, Abby Rosenblum, also was presented at the 2011 Denver Debutante Ball.

ELLIOTT ROSE HAIFLEIGH: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David (Lisa) Haifleigh of Denver. Escorted by Alexander Sprole Obregon and Panayes Marshall Dikeou. Elliott attends Southern Methodist University where she is double majoring in business and Spanish with a minor in math. Elliott plays on the SMU Club Tennis team and is a referee for Club Soccer. While attending Kent Denver, she was captain of the varsity basketball team and coached soccer. She also won her club’s 18-and-under tennis championship. During the summer Elliott traveled to Argentina as well as to Russia and China. Grandparents Mark and Sally Murray own Murray Motors; mother Lisa Murray Haifleigh was presented in 1975.

RACHEL ELIZABETH HARMS: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Elaine) Harms of Denver. Escorted by Christopher Barkley Eliot and Frederic William Couzens. Rachel attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is majoring in graphic fesign with a minor in advertising. During her first semester, Rachel joined the tennis team and photography club. Her interests include design, music, tennis and travel. While attending East High School, she placed first in the school’s annual art show from 2009 to 2011. During the summer, Rachel worked as an assistant soccer coach, served as a nanny and interned with Haifleigh Brandworks. She also traveled to Nashville and California.

CLARE PARKER HICKEY: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford (Nancy) Hickey of Cherry Hills Village. Escorted by Bennett Michael Hickey and Jack Davies Davis, Jr. Clare attends the University of Texas-Austin where she is an education major with an emphasis in special education. Clare pledged Pi Beta Phi sorority and is also a member of the University of Texas’ club lacrosse team. While attending Kent Denver School, Clare was named Defensive MVP for Kent’s varsity lacrosse team, received the Kent Denver Spirit Award and volunteered as a Young Life leader. During the summer, she volunteered for the Joshua School, worked as a counselor at Camp Longhorn. She also traveled with her family to England, France and the Netherlands. Her sister Kathleen was presented in 2009.

JOAN ANN (JOANIE) HOLLBERG: Daughter if Mr. and Mrs. Kurt (Judy) Hollberg of Greenwood Village. Escorted by John Alexander Hollberg and William Joseph Leigh. Joanie is a freshman at Stanford University and is interested in environmental sciences and psychology. She is a member of the Stanford marching band, Freshman “FROSH” Student Government and Muay Thai, a martial arts group. While attending Cherry Creek High School, Joanie was named an Advanced Placement Distinguished Scholar was selected Prom Queen. A member of the National Honors Society, Joanie has a second degree black belt in karate. Mother Judith Jeurink Hollberg was presented in 1975 as were many aunts and cousins between 1982 and 2011; grandmother Leslie Dixon Jeurink served on the ball committee from 1982-1987.

ISABEL VICTORIA HOYT: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce (Heidi) Hoyt of Denver. Escorted by Henry Hummel Hoyt and Dominic Peter Doty. Isabel attends Santa Clara University and is double majoring in philosophy and liberal studies, with a minor in Spanish. Isabel pledged Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was recently elected vice president of her residence community. While attending George Washington High School, Isabel was named a Top Ten student and was honored with the G.W. International Baccalaureate Community Action Service Award & Scholarship. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Isabel’s late grandfather, L. Douglas Hoyt, developed Vail and Roxborough Park and executed the Morrison Trust which contributed to the restoration of the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Maternal grandfather Franz Hummel operated the renowned Hummel Delicatessen, which was founded in the 1940s by Isabel’s great-great uncle. Her father Bruce just completed two terms as a member of the Denver School Board; mother Heidi has been involved with a variety of community organizations.

MIKAELA JANE HUTCHISON: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shover Blakely (Lora) Hutchison of Cherry Hills Village. Escorted by Paul Vincent Kleeman and Charles Joseph Kleeman. Mikaela attends Gonzaga University where she majors in engineering management and minors in business. An outdoors enthusiast, Mikaela joined both Outdoor and Ski clubs. She was recently recognized with Gonzaga University’s Dean’s Scholarship Award. At J.K. Mullen High School, Mikaela was a member of the National Honor Society and was recognized for her outstanding scholastic achievements with the prestigious Torch Award. She was also a first team Academic All State in swimming. Before heading off to college, she worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Mikaela’s maternal and paternal grandparents have resided in Colorado for more than 50 years.

KATHERINE ELIZABETH (KATIE) IMHOFF: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Patti) Imhoff of Greenwood Village. Escorted by Reed Patrick VanHook and Matthew William Imhoff. Katie is a freshman at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. She is a political science major with possible minors in Spanish and religion. Katie’s college involvement includes: Reformed University Fellowship, Young Life, Club Field Hockey, and Outdoor Pursuits Club. Volunteer activities include: Wake Forest Campus Kitchen, Children’s Home of Winston-Salem, and Young Life Leadership training. While attending Kent Denver School, Katie was recognized with the Student Council Award and a Distinguished Advanced Placement Scholar Award. This summer she worked as a teaching assistant at the Denver Center Theatre Academy and traveled to Germany, Austria and France. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Katie’s family has been involved with Colorado business and community endeavors for decades.

MARGARET MAXWELL KNUDSEN: Daughter of Nancy McCurdy and John Carl Knudsen of Denver. Escorted by Robert Steven Davis III and Brendan McPhillips Allen. Margaret attends Sewanee University. While at Kent Denver School Margaret participated in Shakespeare Theatre and Kent’s Repertory Theatre. In addition, Margaret played varsity field hockey and was co-captain of the junior varsity team. She was selected as a delegate to the National Youth Leadership Conference and was an honor roll student for four years. Her sister Caroline was presented in 2008.

LAUREN GWEN LAKE: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric (Gwen) Lake of Highlands Ranch. Escorted by Blake William Donovan and Braun Daniels Lake. Lauren attends the University of Colorado-Boulder as a journalism major and psychology minor with interests in history and advertising. Lauren pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma as a triple legacy. During the summer she worked at Riverstone Academy as a teacher’s aide and traveled to Mexico. Lauren’s ties to Colorado and the Denver Debutante Ball are long and deep. Her great-great grandfather helped discover Cave of the Winds; many aunts and cousins have been involved with the Denver Debutante Ball since its inception in 1956; in fact, her late great-aunt, Mary Kay Braun Deline, was presented during the inaugural year. Lauren’s sister, Anne Lake, was presented in 2008.

ELIZABETH JOSEPHINE (LIZZIE) LARSON: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David (Josi) Larson of Denver. Escorted by Michael Blake Larson and Tucker Jerome Larson. Lizzie attends Westmont College with plans to pursue an education degree. Her involvement at Westmont includes the Outdoor Club and mentoring children. At East High School, she received Honorable Mention All-American accolades in lacrosse, was editor of the yearbook and was involved with many faith-based organizations in the Denver metro area. A member of the National Honor Society, Lizzie was also awarded a Leadership Scholarship to Westmont. Mother Josi Larson is a long-standing member of the Denver Debutante Ball committee and was presented in 1977; aunt Madelyn Lewis debuted in 1972 and cousin Paige Larson in 2008.

QUINCY FOWLER LIVINGSTON: Daughter of Cynthia Foust Livingston and David Robert Livingston of Denver. Escorted by Peter Schuyler Livingston and Daniel Norman Brugioni. Quincy is attending the University of Puget Sound as a psychology/pre-med major with an interest in international relations. Her college activities include Club Soccer, the Outdoor Club and the American Medical Student Association. Quincy was honored by Puget Sound with a Faculty Award & Scholarship. During the summer Quincy had an internship with the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Grandfather John Livingston is a past president of the Denver Symphony Orchestra, served in the Ball’s receiving line multiple times and introduced the Denver Debutantes during the 1990 presentation.

ELIZABETH ANN (LIZZY) NICHOLSON: Daughter of Christine Callaghan Nicholson and Will Faust Nicholson III of Denver. Escorted by Samuel Taylor Kleiner and Philip Greenholz. Lizzy attends Auburn University and is majoring in international business. An Auburn Heritage Academic Scholar, Lizzy pledged Pi Phi sorority. While at East High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society and a Constitutional Scholar, placing first in the state and fifth at the national finals in Washington, D.C. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Lizzy’s great-grandfather, Will F. Nicholson, was mayor of Denver and served in the Colorado Legislature. Mayor Nicholson was in the Denver Debutante Ball’s first receiving line in 1956 and Lizzy’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Will F. Nicholson Jr., participated in the 50th anniversary receiving line. Her great-great grandfather, James F. Burns, co-founded and developed Portland Gold Mine in Cripple Creek; her aunt, Ann Nicholson Naughton, was presented in 1974 and her sister, Olivia, in 2008. Her mother serves on the ball planning committee.

BROOKE MICAH PERKINS: Daughter of Denise St. Vrain Perkins and John Willard Perkins Jr. of Denver. Escorted by Peter Robert Buntmann and Schuyler Everett Grey III. Brooke is attending Lake Forest College and is a starter for the varsity volleyball team. She is a representative to the Student Athletic Council, a member of both the Academic and Student Conduct Committees and a member of the handball team. Brooke is also a Presidential Scholar and a Carnegie Writing Scholar. While at J.K. Mullen High School, Brooke was a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society and was named to the National Society of High School Scholars. A volunteer for the Eating Disorder Foundation of Denver, she plans to volunteer at a Chicago inner-city school during second semester. Brooke is a direct descendant of the St. Vrain family, one of the first families to settle in Colorado. The St. Vrains were fur trappers and traders known as the peacemakers between white men and the Indians. Brooke’s sister Jade was presented in 2008.

AMANDA GRACE (MANDY) RAEDER: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John (Debbie) Raeder Jr., of Greenwood Village. Escorted by John Preston Raeder III and Charles Knowlton Wham. Mandy attends the University of Southern California (USC) where she is majoring in accounting, with a minor in entrepreneurship. Mandy was recently accepted to the Marshall School of Business LINC program and will be traveling to Buenos Aires during the summer for its business program. She pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. At Kent Denver School, Mandy received the Spirit Club Award, was an honor roll student for four years, was named Denver Post Athlete of the Week as well as the Denver Post MVP for the Field Hockey State Championship. A fifth-generation Coloradan committed to community service, Mandy also interned for Channel 2’s Everyday Show and volunteered at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

ELLORY ALEXANDRA (ELLIE) READ: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander (Cindy) Read of Cherry Hills Village. Escorted by Alexander David Chapman Read and Ian Alexander Read Palin. Ellie attends Chapman University where she is a communications broadcast journalism major with a minor in business. A member of the Chapman women’s lacrosse team, Ellie was also an All American lacrosse player at J.K. Mullen High School. In addition, she was captain of her varsity poms squad for three years and was recognized as an All American in that sport. Editor of Mullen’s yearbook, the publication won third place national honors in 2011. Ellie spent a portion of her summer volunteering for Adam’s Camp as a counselor. Five of her childhood friends are also participating in this year’s Debutante Ball. Sister Carlyn was presented in 2009.

ABIGAIL SAMANTHA (ABBY) ROSENBLUM: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory (Judi) Rosenblum of Denver. Escorted by Thomas Joseph Sisk IV and Michael Andrew Crawford. Abby is enrolled in the Newhouse School of Public Communication & College of Arts & Science at Syracuse University. She is double majoring in broadcast and digital journalism & linguistics and was recently invited into the Renee Crown Honors Program. In addition to working at Citrus TV, Syracuse’s student–run studio, Abby plays on the Syracuse club tennis team and is a volunteer tutor at an inner-city elementary school. While attending Colorado Academy, Abby earned her varsity letter in tennis and volunteered at the Denver Ronald McDonald House. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Abby’s great-great-grandfather started Samsonite Luggage Company.

ANNE EVANS SCHNEIDER: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William (Diane) Schneider, Jr. of Westchester, N.Y. Escorted by William Freyer Schneider and Donald Foster Schneider. Anne attends the University of Notre Dame and is a biochemistry major with an interest in foreign languages. Anne is also the assistant manager of the Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team. While attending the Lawrenceville School, she was named Student Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2010 and 2011. In addition, Anne was given a National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation and graduated with high honors. Anne is a great-great-great granddaughter of John Evans, second Territorial Governor of Colorado; the great-great granddaughter of Walter S. Cheesman; granddaughter of Maria Engracia Critcher Freyer and Frank Barrows Freyer whose Spanish Colonial art collection is on permanent exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Anne is the niece of past Debutante Ball chairwoman Ginny Freyer; her mother, Diane Freyer, along with her aunt, Cornelia Gray Freyer, were presented in 1970.

KARINA HALL STAPLETON: Daughter of Katherine Hall Stapleton of Woodland Hills, Calif. Escorted by Gideon Stancil Irving and Kai Benjamin Bidell. Karina is studying psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience and criminology at the University of Denver. She will be pursuing minor degrees in both Italian and biology. A DU Dean’s List student, Karina volunteers as a research assistant in the Traumatic Stress Studies Lab. While attending Oak Christian High School in Westlake, CA, Karina was selected as a peer counselor and was both an AP & Honor student. Grandmother Katie Stapleton co-founded the Denver Debutante Ball and served on approximately 38 different community boards, including Colorado Water, Denver Symphony, Community Chest and Junior League of Denver. Great-grandfather Benjamin Stapleton served as Denver Mayor for 22 years. Mother Katherine Hall Stapleton was presented in 1964; cousin Sarah Fulton Stapleton was presented in 2002.

CAROLINE ELIZABETH TRYBA: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David (Stephanie) Tryba of Denver. Escorted by Christopher Taylor Tryba and Peter Jonathan Park. Caroline is a freshman at George Washington University studying business and art history. She recently Alpha Phi sorority and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity as well as the Alpha Phi Foundation supporting women’s cardiac care. At the Brooks School, Caroline was named Best Teammate by her high school softball team, captained the varsity cross country team and received several high honors for her academic achievements. A third-generation Coloradan, Caroline interned for her father’s architecture firm, Tryba Architects, during the summer. Parents David and Stephanie will be honored with the 2012 Dana Crawford Award for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation.

MADISON MARIE (MADDIE) VANDERPOEL: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William (Nicole) Vanderpoel of Castle Rock. Escorted by Spencer James Fronk and William Hunter Vanderpoel. Maddie attends Loyola Marymount University where she is a natural science & biology major and Division I swimmer. Maddie received both an academic and swimming scholarship to Loyola Marymount. A National AP Scholar who achieved high honor roll status for all four years of high school, Maddie was named to the Scholastic All American swim team and received Colorado All State Honorable Mention. She was also captain of her varsity swim team. During the summer she traveled to California and Oregon to compete with her USA swim team in long course swim meets. In addition, she spent time volunteering at a local swim club. Her late grandfather, Louis Loiseau, and grandmother, Dee Robinson, were both active in the Denver community, having supported the arts since the 1940s. Her mother, Nicole Loiseau Vanderpoel, was presented in 1982. So, too, have many aunts and cousins.

SARAH GORHAM WILKINS: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David (Katie) Wilkins, of Cherry Hills Village. Escorted by Joseph James Lodovic V and Cameron Reeder Heppe. Sarah is a Gold Academic Scholar at Baylor University studying elementary education. Sarah is a member of the Baylor marching band and will be traveling with the band to the 2011 Alamo Bowl. In addition, Sarah was selected as a courtside musician and is a volunteer tutor for first graders. After graduating from Cherry Creek High School with high honors, Sarah spent the summer working as a counselor for Exceptional Kids, a summer camp program for children with special needs. Before heading back to Texas she will be volunteering her time as a Christmas carol bell ringer at the Denver City and County building. Her maternal great-grandfather helped establish the site for the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and her paternal grandfather co-founded the Kentwood Company. Thirty years to the day of the 2011 Ball, Sarah’s mother, Katie Hite Wilkins, was presented as a Denver Debutante.

ELSA BENTLEY WOOLLEY: Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Karin) Hildreth Woolley II of Denver. Escorted by Charles Henrik Woolley and William Patrick Gallagher. Elsa attends the University of Puget Sound as a business major and art history minor. Elsa is a member of the Outdoor Club and is also passionate about volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. While attending Colorado Academy, Elsa was named Metropolitan League Senior of the Year for varsity tennis and was honored with the Esser-Sisk Award for Leadership. In addition, she received an Alumni Scholarship. During the summer Elsa worked as a synchronized swim coach on Martha’s Vineyard. Her father, Charles, has been actively involved with the Denver community and has served on a variety of boards including Historic Denver, Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Academy and Downtown Denver Partnership. Cousin Sarah Emery was presented in 2010.

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Gov. John Hickenlooper and guild president Maureen Solomon.

Gov. John Hickenlooper, one of his predecessors and two former first ladies were among those attending a holiday-themed reception at the Governor’s Mansion that generated support for the Colorado Symphony.

The event chaired by Lorie Young on behalf of the Colorado Symphony Guild was a sell-out, drawing a crowd that included former Gov. Dick Lamm and his wife, Dottie; and former Colorado first lady Bea Romer. Mayor Michael Hancock sent a letter expressing his support of the orchestra.

Hickenlooper may have been preaching to the choir, but his reminder that “all great cities have a great symphony orchestra” was warmly received by such guests as Tom and Claire Brown (he’s the former dean of the University of Colorado Law School); attorney (and Symphony Chorus member) Dick Freese with his wife, Sigrid; CSO trustee Bill Schumacher; attorney and event benefactor Paul Quinn; Jim Copenhaver, who is the symphony’s interim CEO, serving until Gene Sobczak comes aboard in January; guild president Maureen Solomon and her husband, Harvey; and Dick Young, the husband of event chair Lorie Young.

The guild’s next event is a March 22 “jazz/classical fusion event” at Dazzle, that will have symphony musicians performing a musical tribute to longtime colleague Charlie Burrell.

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Harvey and Sue Allon, left, with Yana Vishnitsky and Ken and Rebecca Gart.

The “sweet 16″ edition of Reel Hope, Jewish Family Service of Colorado’s annual night at the movies, featured the regional premiere of the Cold War spy thriller “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” and raised $428,000 for JFS services.

The movie starring Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and John Hurt was part of an evening that also included a ceremony at which Harvey and Sue Allon were given the Kal Zeff Business Leader Award and Ken and Rebecca Gart accepted the Jack Shapiro Community Service Award.

The Allons, long-time Jewish Family Service supporters, are nationally recognized leaders and visionaries in their respective professions. He is chairman/ceo of Braddock Financial and served Fannie Mae in various consulting roles from 1993 to 2001. She is the CEO of Allonhill, and is an authority in mortgage due diligence.

The Garts, also longtime supporters of JFS, focus their philanthropy on children’s causes and the support of Jewish organizations. They were among the first to make a multi-year commitment to the agency and its various human service programs. They include mental health counseling, senior and adult in-home care, disability and employment services, and family safety-net services.

Reel Hope was emceed by Lisa Belkov-Snyder, host of “LIVE with Lisa!” on Mile High Sports FM 93.7 & AM 1510. In addition to the movie and the awards, the evening also included the debut of a new JFS video, “The Chain Reaction of Good.” Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House catered the boxed dinner that guests enjoyed, as well as the dessert reception that followed the movie.

Celine Dion literally appeared from out of nowhere to sing one song at Collectors' Choice 31, honoring the Anschutz family's support of the Denver Art Museum.

I kid you not. The world’s most popular female entertainer appeared — seemingly from out of nowhere — to sing “Because You Loved Me” to the Phil and Nancy Anschutz family, who were being honored at Collectors’ Choice 31, a black-tie gala that raised $730,000 for the Denver Art Museum.

One minute, John McEuen of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was crooning some tunes in an elegantly appointed Ponti Hall and the next, the spotlight faded to black for a split second before amping back up to reveal that McEuen had exited the stage and Celine Dion was standing there, dressed in a sparkly evening gown with microphone in hand.

A murmur went through the crowd as people recognized who was in their midst, and the audience quickly stood to applaud as the five-time Grammy winner acknowledged the friendship she shared with the Anschutz family before singing the one song and disappearing as quickly as she had appeared.

Which of course left some wondering if they’d imagined the whole thing. “Did we just see Celine Dion? The Celine Dion?” asked one woman at my table. “Oh.My.Gosh.”

Only a handful of people had known she was coming, and they were sworn to secrecy. “I told everyone I talked to (during cocktail hour) that they definitely needed to stay through the end,” said Arlene Hirschfeld, who chaired the event with her husband, Barry, and Kevin and Ann Reidy. “I couldn’t tell them why they needed to stay, just that they’d be missing out on something very big if they slipped out early.”

And should anyone wonder if this special treat cut into the event’s bottom line, word is that she donated her appearance and that a museum benefactor donated the use of his jet to fly her and her entourage roundtrip to Denver from Florida, where Dion maintains a home.

The entertainment, Arlene Hirschfeld explained, was part of a grand scheme to make Collectors’ Choice a night of nights for the Anschutz family, whose philanthropy is legendary both in Denver and throughout the United States.

The family’s association with the Denver Art Museum began about 40 years ago when Phil Anschutz accepted a seat on the DAM board of trustees. He served from 1972-77 and was followed by his wife, who was a trustee from 1995-2001. Daughter Sarah Hunt joined the board in 2001 and continues as a member today. Phil’s sister, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers was a member from 1982-1988.

In addition, the Anschutz family played a key role in making the DAM’s Frederic C. Hamilton Building a reality and periodically lends works to the DAM’s Petrie Institute of Western American Art.

“So many good things have come the museum’s way because of them,” Arlene Hirschfeld added, “and it is our privilege to be able to thank them.”

In fact, so many people wanted to say thank you that the event sold out in record time. “We were at our (seating) limit by early September, and that has never happened before,” Arlene said. “Other Collectors’ Choices have sold out, but never as quickly as this one.”

And so who was there?

Gov. John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Hancock, for starters. Also, the man after whom the Hamilton Building is named, Fred Hamilton, and his wife, Jane; Ellie Caulkins, after whom the Ellie Caulkins Opera House is named; Opera Colorado’s leader, Greg Carpenter; Katie Stapleton and Patrick Coulson; Nancy Petry; Brown and Mardi Cannon; Kirkland Museum chief Hugh Grant and his wife, Merle Chambers; and Brenda LaGrange Johnson, the U.S. ambassador to Jamaica from 2005-09. A friend of the Anschutz family since the 1970s, Johnson was at Collectors’ Choice with her husband, Howard.

Sarah Anschutz Hunt is married to Christopher Hunt, who heads the Clyfford Still Museum board, and his mother, Judy Hunt, there with her husband, Walter, introduced us to Dr. Steve Ringel, considered one of the nation’s top neurologists. He is headquartered on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora and his wife, Joan, a fiction writer and former lobbyist, has been Judy Hunt’s friend since they were both 13.

The Anschutz family also has a long history with Graland Country Day School, and headmaster Ronni McCaffrey was at the gala to show her appreciation along with such others as DAM director Christoph Heinrich; president Cathey Finlon; longtime Anschutz Corp. president Cy Harvey and his wife, Lyndia; Trygve and Vicki Myhren; UMB Bank chief Mariner Kemper and his wife, Megan; Charlie and Diane Gallagher; Eileen Honnen; Fred and Jana Bartlit; University of Colorado president Bruce Benson and his wife, Marcy; University of Denver chancellor Robert Coombe and his wife, Julanna Gilbert; University of Colorado Hospital president Bruce Schroffel and his wife, Lorrie; Lanny and Sharon Martin; Linda and Dr. John Roberts; Ron and Cille Williams; Sherrye Berger; Merrill and Jane Yale; Bridget Coughlin, vice president of strategic partnerships at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and Suzanne Farver, a former director of the Aspen Art Museum who is now on the Harvard faculty.

And, John and Anna Sie; Bill and Verna Pauls; Barbara Bridges with Mike McPhee; Lorraine Higbie; John and Ginny Freyer; Hal and Ann Logan; Don and Mary Lee Beauregard; Bob and Lynda Dalton; Dick and Marcia Robinson; Bob and Kalleen Malone; Merrill Shields and M. Ray Thomasson; Chuck and Becky Morris (he’s president of AEG Live Rocky Mountain Region, and was the point person for arranging Dion’s appearance) and Shereen and Michael Pollak, whose Hyde Park Jewelers provided the commemorative pens given as party favors.

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Kendall Stevens enjoys a lollipop during the magic show that was part of the Sugarplum Ball.

The kids were so excited that they probably didn’t hear a word Leslie Dewell Smith said. I’ll bet their mothers and grandmothers did — and that they’ll repeat her sweet sentiment more than once as their daughters and granddaughters progress from one life’s milestone to another.

“Always remember this night,” Smith told the 25 second-graders who made up Colorado Ballet Auxiliary’s Nutcracker Sugarplum Class of 2011. “Remember the beauty of your dress and the look in your daddy or grand-daddy’s eye.”

The Sugarplum Ball is the culmination of a year-long program that builds a foundation for little girls to appreciate the art of ballet while raising money for the Colorado Ballet. This year, it enabled the auxiliary to donate $40,000 to Colorado Ballet. In addition, the ‘Plums made and sold necklaces, an activity that resulted in a $2,000 contribution to a Colorado Ballet outreach program at Warren Village and $2,000 in gifts to Children’s Hospital Colorado.

The ball chaired by Alyson Graves was held the day after Thanksgiving at the Brown Palace Hotel. The Land of Sweets theme was carried out in bold red and white decor that included poinsettias, bows and candy-centric centerpieces. Oversized candy canes were on some tables; towering glass cylinders filled with peppermints and assorted hard candies were on others.

The evening begins with the introduction of the Sugarplum Alums, the girls who’d been Sugarplums the previous year. In addition to being recognized at the ball, the Alums are given the opportunity to dance in that season’s performances of “The Nutcracker.” The 2011 Alums are Ariana Azari, Marin Bomgaars, Juliette Bruner, Maya Dammen, Juliana Diecidue, Julia Donovan, Audrey Graves, Hailey Hak, Ashley Matthews, Meghan O’Neal, Caroline Plumleigh, Julie Plumleigh, Elle Smith and Lauren Sperry.

Like the Alums, the Sugarplums are introduced by Dr. Toby Cole, who has the honors again the next night when the ‘Plums are introduced on stage at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, moments before the opening performance begins.

Following the introductions, the ball guests enjoyed dinner, a Paul Borrillo magic show and dancing. The youngsters also were treated to an after-dinner candy buffet.

The 2011 Sugarplums, with biographies compiled and written by the Sugarplum committee, are:

Anna Scott Arnold, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Arnold of Denver. Anna enjoys ballet and will be in a Nutcracker performance with the Denver Conservatory this December. She is playing the angel, a mouse and a bon bon. She also enjoys gymnastics and is a black diamond skier. She loves math, and playing math games, but also likes to draw, too. Her favorite places to travel are to New Zealand and Hawaii. Her favorite movie (much like Hawaii) is “Soul Surfer.”

Sophia Birner, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Birner of Denver. She is a skilled horseback rider who loves to ski in the winter. She also loves rainbow sherbet instead of plain ice cream, and her favorite song is Taylor Swift’s What I like about You.

Julia Cole, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Cole of Denver. Julia loves ice cream, especially Denali Extreme Moose Tracks, orange sherbet creamsicle and orange sherbet. She is a great piano player, and also can do a convincing witch laugh. She likes to swim and bike, and if she could have any pet, she would choose to have a new pet each month. She would start with a giraffe in August, because according to Julia, they are good animals for August.

Paris Corporon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Corporon of Englewood. She is passionate about sports, and she plays soccer very well. Someday, she hopes to be a veterinarian. Her favorite ice cream flavor is blue cotton candy, and she would rather swim in the summer to cool off from the summer heat.

Morgan Divita, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Divita of Littleton. She is passionate about ballet and loves ballet class and gymnastics. Her favorite ice cream flavors are strawberry and chocolate. She would rather be swimming in the summer than skiing in the winter because she likes warm weather, especially vacationing in Los Cabos, Mexico. She also loves to sing to Taylor Swift every chance she gets.

Lizzie Elliott, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. Paul Elliott of Cherry Hills Village. She is a very accomplished soccer player and swimmer. She likes to swim in the summer, and if she could pick any vacation, she would go to the Galapagos Islands. For a pet, she would pick a dog because they can be your best friend. Her favorite book and movie include all of the Harry Potter series.

Izzy Espinoza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Espinoza of Denver. She is passionate about helping people and swimming, but also loves the snow and skiing in the winter. She likes to vacation in Steamboat Springs and when she’s an adult she hopes to be a mommy. Her favorite song is Somebody to Love by Justin Beiber and her favorite book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Emory Gerlach, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Gerlach of Denver. She is passionate about reading and is also a gymnast and skier. This active girl loves visiting her great grandma’s ranch in Wyoming and skiing in Chaos Canyon in Vail.

Sophia Saylor Giordano, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Giordano of Denver. She loves art, especially painting. If she could pick any ice cream flavor to eat it would be lemon sorbet. She likes to ski because she can go fast and ski with friends, but she also likes to swim and jump in the water and make cannonballs. She is a very good soccer player, and likes to sing too.

Georgia Kane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Kane. She is passionate about singing, dancing and theater, and is a great singer. When she gets older she hopes to be a designer and design dresses and clothes. She doesn’t believe in ghosts but she believes in magic, and also likes rainbow sherbet when she’s in the mood for ice cream. If she could have any pet, it would be a monkey.

Grace Linafelter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rod Linafelter of Cherry Hills Village. Grace hopes to be a teacher when she grows up, and would like to have a turtle for a pet because it is her favorite animal. She loves to ski and her favorite ice cream is crazy cookie dough on top of mint chocolate chip. Her favorite place to relax on vacation after all of that skiing, is Hawaii.

Isabelle Louis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ehlias Louis of Denver. Isabelle is passionate about art, and is really, really good at math. She loves to ski and wants to be a ski racer, and hopefully a mother someday. She likes to vacation in Park City, Utah, and if she could have any pet she would have an otter because Isabelle thinks they are cute and do funny tricks. She likes to sing to Get Your Sparkle On.

Chloe Malley, daughter of Elaine Weng and Dr. Thomas Malley of Englewood. She is passionate about art because she says you can draw anything. Chole says that art makes her happy, especially when she can hang art up in her room and later on look at it. Her favorite ice cream is cookie dough, and she thinks cats are furry and cute. She would rather swim in the summer because she loves swimming and can go anywhere in the pool, although if she could choose, she would pick swimming in Hawaii.

Gracie McHugh, daughter of Dr. Stacy McHugh and Jerome McHugh, Jr. of Denver. Gracie hopes to be an artist and a fashion designer because she likes to create things that inspire her. She doesn’t believe in ghosts, but she does believe in magic, because she says it’s interesting to watch and seems real. She likes to sing and takes singing lessons, and her favorite songs right now are Break Your Heart and Dynamite by Taio Cruz.

Annalee Miner, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Scott Miner of Denver. She lives to sing, especially to Taylor Swift, and she is very good at skiing, soccer and sharing. She also likes mint chocolate chip ice cream and vacations in the mountains. Her favorite movie is “Winnie the Pooh.” It’s a really old movie that to her, just never gets old.

Elle Morris, daughter of Jayne Ford and Parks Harris Morris of Denver. She likes mint chocolate chip ice cream and when she’s an adult, Elle hopes to be a doctor. She likes to swim and play with her friends, and likes the idea of a Hawaiian getaway. If she could have any pet it would be a lemur because they are cute and have a lot of energy.

Ainsley Nalen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nalen of Englewood. She loves vanilla ice cream and is a really good swimmer. She loves to swim in the summer and if she could choose she would pick a vacation to California at the Montage in Laguna Beach. She also likes dogs, especially goldendoodles and labradoodles.

Grayson Parsley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Parsley of Englewood. She is passionate about singing, and likes rainbow sorbet for ice cream. She is a great big sister. Her favorite place to vacation is the beach in South Carolina because she loves to swim in the ocean with her dad. If she could have any pet she would have a gerbil because she thinks they are really cool.

Isabelle Ritz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Ritz of Cherry Hills Village. She attends Colorado Academy and is passionate about fashion. She would rather swim in the summer than ski in the winter, and likes to vacation in France and New York. She loves strawberry ice cream and watching the movie “Free Willy.”

Natalie Grace Robertson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Robertson of Cherry Hills Village. She is passionate about gymnastics because she thinks its fun and challenging to do. Choosing a favorite ice cream flavor is too tough because she loves dark chocolate and cookie dough. If she could go on a vacation anywhere it would be to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty. She also would like a pet Chihuahua because they are very small and cute. She would take it everywhere and even dress it up. She also likes the movie “Soul Surfer.”

Khaki Sawyer, daughter of Drs. Kate and Michael Sawyer of Denver. Her favorite movie is “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer,” and her favorite book is Judy Moody Girl Detective. If she could vacation anywhere it would be New Orleans so she could go to Mardi Gras. Her favorite ice cream is peach. Someday she hopes to be a veterinarian, dancer or even a detective just like Judy Moody.

Bailey Lynn Shelden, daughter of Kittie Hook and Charles Shelden of Denver. She is passionate about cooking, and someday hopes to be a veterinarian. Her favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip, and she also likes to vacation at the cottage on Lake Wabessa in Wisconsin. She likes the snow and she likes to sing. Her favorite book is Kylie the Carnival Fairy and her favorite movie is “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.”

Kendall Stevens, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stevens of Denver. She loves to make other people laugh, which could be a great trait later in her life since she hopes to be a doctor someday. She would love to have a dog to play with, and believes in magic and ghosts. She is a great gymnast and also loves to sing. Her favorite song is Dynamite by Taio Cruz.

Riley Stewart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stewart of Greenwood Village. She loves running and art and one day wants to become an artist or art teacher. Her favorite book is Ivy & Bean and she also likes Taylor Swift, especially when she can sing to You Belong with Me. She likes to vacation in Disneyland and has a sweet tooth: she loves chocolate ice cream with chocolate magic-shell.

Claire van Kempen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wouter van Kempen of Cherry Hills Village. She really likes gymnastics, but when she grows up she hopes to be a veterinarian or zoo keeper. She already has a rabbit, a puppy and a fish to start her training. She believes in magic, and likes the movie “Soul Surfer.” She also likes to read the book Good Night Little Bunny.

Bouquets is the florist and Villa Homes & Gifts is the tabletop designer for Home #1 on the 2011 L'Esprit de Noel tour.

The 35th annual L’Esprit de Noel Holiday Home Tour is open ’til 4 p.m. today in the Morgan Historic District of Denver. Five magnificent residences are decked out for the occasion; tickets are $20 at the door.

Pamalya, a grassroots community of internationally minded people, is officially introduced in Denver on Thursday when founder Gadi Friedman hosts International Holidays Event at District 475 in Englewood. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Share Our Strength, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America.

Guests at the 7 p.m. event will enjoy ethnic edibles from such restaurants as Ya-Ya’s, Russo’s Kitchen and Tavern and Ivy at the Glenn; a Cirque du Soleil-like dance performance and music by DJ Nate Williams.District 475 is located near I-25 and Dry Creek Road, at 10111 Inverness Main St., Suite T.

“International Holidays Event is a celebration of world cultures and a good opportunity for locals to mingle with members of the international community in town,” Friedman says. “We expect hundreds of guests from over 30 nationalities who will come to celebrate this special holiday season as one big family.”

Pamalya’s vision, Friedman explains, is to “Transform our cultural landscape by bringing people together in an enriching and engaging environment. The Pamalya community attracts individuals who love to share and explore cultural treasures of art, food and wine, fashion, music and more. To become part of Pamalya’s global community is to engage socially, grow culturally and connect internationally.”

Tickets are $55 and include one free drink. They can be purchased by visiting the Pamalya website; a limited number will be available at the door.

About Pamalya

The Aramaic word for “entourage,” Pamalya carries the world’s cultures forward in contemporary and consequential ways. When Israeli-born Gadi Friedman moved to Denver in 2000, he set out to build a global community in which social and cultural bonds could be formed. He began by organizing home gatherings, where internationally minded neighbors socialized, and as interest grew, so did the frequency and size of its events. Today, Pamalya is a grassroots community that organizes vibrant cultural events — from musical performances to cooking classes to “off the beaten path” travel. Pamalya also offers a dynamic web portal that allows members to connect with fellow Pamalyans, find events, measure cultural growth and exchange ideas of mutual interest. Pamalya is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds generated from its signature events to valued and respected charity partners.

About Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit 501(c)(3), is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry® Campaign, Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs; invests in community organizations fighting hunger; teaches families how to cook healthy, affordable meals; and builds public-private partnerships to end childhood hunger, at the state and city level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org to get involved.

Sugarplum Alum Elle Margaret Smith drapes her dad, Jeff, in toilet paper during a mummy-making activity that was part of a Harvest Party held in October at Denver Country Club.

One of the sweetest events of the season is to occur the day after Thanksgiving, when Colorado Ballet Auxiliary hosts its annual Sugarplum Ball at the Brown Palace Hotel.

The ball is a time for family and friends to gather for the initial presentation of the 2011 Nutcracker Sugarplums. The 25 second-graders will be introduced again on Nov. 26 when Colorado Ballet opens its seasonal run of “The Nutcracker” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Leslie Dewell Smith is the Sugarplum program chair; Alyson Graves is coordinating the ball, with help from committees headed by Ghislaine Bruner, Cathy O’Neal, Stephanie Linafelter, Kimberly Hak, Deborah Donovan and Katy Brown.

In the months leading up to the big nights, the Sugarplums have been fitted for their presentation dresses and taken part in activities that include an etiquette tea, a mother-daughter tea, a harvest-themed party and a holiday toy drive. Auxiliary members hosting these events were Hilary Gerlach, Liz Arnold, Rosalina Diecidue, Connie Plumleigh, Stacy McHugh, Kathleen Dammen, Andrea Stevens and Sara Ritz.

The 2011 Sugarplums, with biographies compiled and written by the Sugarplum committee, are:

Anna Scott Arnold, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Arnold of Denver. Anna enjoys ballet and will be in a Nutcracker performance with the Denver Conservatory this December. She is playing the angel, a mouse and a bon bon. She also enjoys gymnastics and is a black diamond skier. She loves math, and playing math games, but also likes to draw, too. Her favorite places to travel are to New Zealand and Hawaii. Her favorite movie (much like Hawaii) is “Soul Surfer.”

Sophia Birner, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mark Birner of Denver. She is a skilled horseback rider who loves to ski in the winter. She also loves rainbow sherbet instead of plain ice cream, and her favorite song is Taylor Swift’s What I like about You.

Julia Cole, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Cole of Denver. Julia loves ice cream, especially Denali Extreme Moose Tracks, orange sherbet creamsicle and orange sherbet. She is a great piano player, and also can do a convincing witch laugh. She likes to swim and bike, and if she could have any pet, she would choose to have a new pet each month. She would start with a giraffe in August, because according to Julia, they are good animals for August.

Paris Corporon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Corporon of Englewood. She is passionate about sports, and she plays soccer very well. Someday, she hopes to be a veterinarian. Her favorite ice cream flavor is blue cotton candy, and she would rather swim in the summer to cool off from the summer heat.

Morgan Divita, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Divita of Littleton. She is passionate about ballet and loves ballet class and gymnastics. Her favorite ice cream flavors are strawberry and chocolate. She would rather be swimming in the summer than skiing in the winter because she likes warm weather, especially vacationing in Los Cabos, Mexico. She also loves to sing to Taylor Swift every chance she gets.

Lizzie Elliott, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. Paul Elliott of Cherry Hills Village. She is a very accomplished soccer player and swimmer. She likes to swim in the summer, and if she could pick any vacation, she would go to the Galapagos Islands. For a pet, she would pick a dog because they can be your best friend. Her favorite book and movie include all of the Harry Potter series.

Izzy Espinoza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Espinoza of Denver. She is passionate about helping people and swimming, but also loves the snow and skiing in the winter. She likes to vacation in Steamboat Springs and when she’s an adult she hopes to be a mommy. Her favorite song is Somebody to Love by Justin Beiber and her favorite book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Emory Gerlach, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Graham Gerlach of Denver. She is passionate about reading and is also a gymnast and skier. This active girl loves visiting her great grandma’s ranch in Wyoming and skiing in Chaos Canyon in Vail.

Sophia Saylor Giordano, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Giordano of Denver. She loves art, especially painting. If she could pick any ice cream flavor to eat it would be lemon sorbet. She likes to ski because she can go fast and ski with friends, but she also likes to swim and jump in the water and make cannonballs. She is a very good soccer player, and likes to sing too.

Georgia Kane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Kane. She is passionate about singing, dancing and theater, and is a great singer. When she gets older she hopes to be a designer and design dresses and clothes. She doesn’t believe in ghosts but she believes in magic, and also likes rainbow sherbet when she’s in the mood for ice cream. If she could have any pet, it would be a monkey.

Grace Linafelter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rod Linafelter of Cherry Hills Village. Grace hopes to be a teacher when she grows up, and would like to have a turtle for a pet because it is her favorite animal. She loves to ski and her favorite ice cream is crazy cookie dough on top of mint chocolate chip. Her favorite place to relax on vacation after all of that skiing, is Hawaii.

Isabelle Louis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ehlias Louis of Denver. Isabelle is passionate about art, and is really, really good at math. She loves to ski and wants to be a ski racer, and hopefully a mother someday. She likes to vacation in Park City, Utah, and if she could have any pet she would have an otter because Isabelle thinks they are cute and do funny tricks. She likes to sing to Get Your Sparkle On.

Chloe Malley, daughter of Elaine Weng and Dr. Thomas Malley of Englewood. She is passionate about art because she says you can draw anything. Chole says that art makes her happy, especially when she can hang art up in her room and later on look at it. Her favorite ice cream is cookie dough, and she thinks cats are furry and cute. She would rather swim in the summer because she loves swimming and can go anywhere in the pool, although if she could choose, she would pick swimming in Hawaii.

Gracie McHugh, daughter of Dr. Stacy McHugh and Jerome McHugh, Jr. of Denver. Gracie hopes to be an artist and a fashion designer because she likes to create things that inspire her. She doesn’t believe in ghosts, but she does believe in magic, because she says it’s interesting to watch and seems real. She likes to sing and takes singing lessons, and her favorite songs right now are Break Your Heart and Dynamite by Taio Cruz.

Annalee Miner, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Scott Miner of Denver. She lives to sing, especially to Taylor Swift, and she is very good at skiing, soccer and sharing. She also likes mint chocolate chip ice cream and vacations in the mountains. Her favorite movie is “Winnie the Pooh.” It’s a really old movie that to her, just never gets old.

Elle Morris, daughter of Jane Ford and Parks Morris of Denver. She likes mint chocolate chip ice cream and when she’s an adult, Elle hopes to be a doctor. She likes to swim and play with her friends, and likes the idea of a Hawaiian getaway. If she could have any pet it would be a lemur because they are cute and have a lot of energy.

Ainsley Nalen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nalen of Englewood. She loves vanilla ice cream and is a really good swimmer. She loves to swim in the summer and if she could choose she would pick a vacation to California at the Montage in Laguna Beach. She also likes dogs, especially goldendoodles and labradoodles.

Grayson Parsley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Parsley of Englewood. She is passionate about singing, and likes rainbow sorbet for ice cream. She is a great big sister. Her favorite place to vacation is the beach in South Carolina because she loves to swim in the ocean with her dad. If she could have any pet she would have a gerbil because she thinks they are really cool.

Isabelle Ritz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Ritz of Cherry Hills Village. She attends Colorado Academy and is passionate about fashion. She would rather swim in the summer than ski in the winter, and likes to vacation in France and New York. She loves strawberry ice cream and watching the movie “Free Willy.”

Natalie Grace Robertson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Robertson of Cherry Hills Village. She is passionate about gymnastics because she thinks its fun and challenging to do. Choosing a favorite ice cream flavor is too tough because she loves dark chocolate and cookie dough. If she could go on a vacation anywhere it would be to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty. She also would like a pet Chihuahua because they are very small and cute. She would take it everywhere and even dress it up. She also likes the movie “Soul Surfer.”

Khaki Sawyer, daughter of Drs. Kate and Michael Sawyer of Denver. Her favorite movie is “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer,” and her favorite book is Judy Moody Girl Detective. If she could vacation anywhere it would be New Orleans so she could go to Mardi Gras. Her favorite ice cream is peach. Someday she hopes to be a veterinarian, dancer or even a detective just like Judy Moody.

Bailey Lynn Shelden, daughter of Kittie Hook and Charles Shelden of Denver. She is passionate about cooking, and someday hopes to be a veterinarian. Her favorite ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip, and she also likes to vacation at the cottage on Lake Wabessa in Wisconsin. She likes the snow and she likes to sing. Her favorite book is Kylie the Carnival Fairy and her favorite movie is “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.”

Kendall Stevens, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stevens of Denver. She loves to make other people laugh, which could be a great trait later in her life since she hopes to be a doctor someday. She would love to have a dog to play with, and believes in magic and ghosts. She is a great gymnast and also loves to sing. Her favorite song is Dynamite by Taio Cruz.

Riley Stewart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stewart of Greenwood Village. She loves running and art and one day wants to become an artist or art teacher. Her favorite book is Ivy & Bean and she also likes Taylor Swift, especially when she can sing to You Belong with Me. She likes to vacation in Disneyland and has a sweet tooth: she loves chocolate ice cream with chocolate magic-shell.

Claire van Kempen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wouter van Kempen of Cherry Hills Village. She really likes gymnastics, but when she grows up she hopes to be a veterinarian or zoo keeper. She already has a rabbit, a puppy and a fish to start her training. She believes in magic, and likes the movie “Soul Surfer.” She also likes to read the book Good Night Little Bunny.

Pam Bansbach, left, and her daughter, Brooke Maloy, are chairing the 2011 L'Esprit de Noel Holiday Home Tour

The Central City Opera Guild’s 35th annual holiday home tour and boutique, L’Esprit de Noël, opens Nov. 18 in one of Denver’s most historically significant neighborhoods, the Morgan Historic District. The public is invited to come take a look at five unique residences, decorated for the holidays, on Nov. 18 and 19.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. They’re available through the Central City Opera Box Office, 303-292-6700; online at www.centralcityopera.org (credit card fees apply) and at area King Soopers. Additional information can be found at www.lesprithometour.com.

The Morgan Historic District is an enclave of 57 homes along the southern border of the Denver Botanic Gardens. The neighborhood was developed in the 1920s and 1930s by some of Denver’s most prominent citizens. All homes on the tour are considered historically significant, yet have been updated to meet the demands of modern living while meticulously preserving many unique characteristics of each home.

L’Esprit de Noel is organized by the Central City Opera Guild, and this year is being chaired by Pam Bansbach and her daughter, Brooke Maloy. Maloy’s home will be the site for the patron preview that takes place on Nov. 17.

The preview is an occasion for those willing to pay top dollar for a candlelight viewing of the homes, and then gather for cocktails, carolers and a buffet supper at a home that will not be open for the tour. Tickets are $250 for benefactors, $150 for patrons and $90 for junior patrons (age 35 and younger) and are available the Central City Opera website or Box Office.

The money raised supports the Central City Opera’s annual Summer Festival, and such company-sponsored programs as the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program; preservation and maintenance of the Opera House and 30 other Victorian-era properties; and education and community programs that reach 80,000 people each year through performances in elementary and secondary schools, community centers, senior residences, and theaters.

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” starring Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and John Hurt, will have its regional premiere Dec. 8 at Reel Hope, the annual night-at-the-movies fundraiser for Jewish Family Service. It opens in select cities the following day.

Debra Duke and Kerry Shelanski are chairing Reel Hope, which is being held for the first time in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Tickets for which are $180 and include a pre-show dinner catered by Kevin Taylor. Reservations can be made online jewishfamilyservice.org or by calling Dawn Richard, 720-248-4605.

In addition to the movie, the evening includes presentation of the Jack Shapiro Community Service Award to Ken and Rebecca Gart and the Kal Zeff Business Leader of the Year Award to Harvey and Sue Allon.

Study after study has shown that when it comes to charitable fundraisers, Denver has more per capita than any comparably sized city in the nation. Joanne Davidson has been covering them for The Denver Post since 1985, coming here from her native California where she'd spent the previous seven years as San Francisco bureau chief for U.S. News & World Report magazine.